Howdy everyone! I've been needing an inexpensive fly reel to go along with the TFO Clouser 8' 9" 8 weight that I got recently. Do you guys know of any quality, inexpensive fly reels available (less than $100)? I will likely be taking this setup to the salt once or twice this year, so a good drag would be nice. I will mostly be using it for carp and bass. So far, I only really have three in mind:

• Quest Large Arbor Fly Reel
• Okuma SLV
• Ross Eddy

Thanks for the input!

Had a friend use a Ross in the salt a little and had me try to repair it after it locked up. A little surprised at the number of moving parts and that those parts just weren't very substantial. Can't speak for the others, but I would assume any of the three would provide good service if well maintained. Really good fresh water soaking after a salt trip, lube and the like. Just my $.02.

Ive had an okuma Sierra I've been using since 2007 on a tfo 8 wt. very good reel. I'm hard on my gear and its held up well. I'd buy another but I don't see it wearing out anytime soon!

here's one that fits anyone's budget. Its cheep and has a good drag; no problem with the salt because its graphite; buy a couple and have money left in your pocket-p-
http://www.amazon.com/Crystal-River-Cahill-Rim-Reel/product-reviews/B000ZKPH44
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9emYHQpMQw

If your buying from BassPro check these that are made for salt/inshore fishing : Saltwater Flyreels

they are running some close out prices on the Ross CLA. A little more than your budget but a really good reel.

That is an amazing bargain, pearow.

I would have to second the vote for an Okuma Seirra. I have tried ruin mine and can't. Saltwater use.

Bill

I have found that cast and powdercoated reels won't hold up in the salt. No matter how diligently you rinse them, they always end up with a "cancer" under the powdercoat. There was a thread dealing with that on TKF some time ago. If you intend to use it in salt water, go with a machined and anodized reel.

Any of those you mentioned would be fine if you had no plans to put in in salt water. In Texas anyways the salt the only time your really might need something of higher quality as the salt will destroy many lesser reels and more likely than not you will find yourself actually needing good drag. My recommendation would be to search ebay for a slightly used one for $100 or less. I've picked up a half dozen gently used reels on ebay for well over 50% off. You tend not to notice the scratches from the previous owner when see your backing! Good luck!

that salt is tough! First time I fished it I forgot to clean my reel after the first day; second day when I started fishing I found it was froze up. Had to disassemble it and flush it with fresh water and wd-40(all I had at the time). Lesson learned; take your rod and reel into the shower with you-p-

I've got the Cabela's RLS+ in a 5 wt. I've landed several big fish with the reel and I really like it, although not a carp or something that truly tested the drag yet. It is machined aluminum, so I would imagine it would do ok in the salt.

on sale now <$100

Cabelas RLS+ reel is not designed for salt water fishing. The only ones Cabelas have are these :

Cabelas Saltwater Reels

I have really enjoyed my Redington behemoth on my 8wt tfo clouser rod. It has been my primary saltwater reel and performed flawlessly. It is right at your price point.

I was in the same boat looking for an inexpensive, quality reel and dollar for dollar I think it is the best buy in the industry right now.